BCCI denies rumors of isolating Pakistan and India in ICC events

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has quashed rumors that implied Pakistan and India would be divided into different groups in ICC competitions to come.

In a report published by the popular sports website Cricbuzz, rumors spread following an incident in Pahalgam, which is a Muslim-dominated region in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 tourists were said to have been killed on April 22.

The speculation said the BCCI had written to the ICC asking for Pakistan and India to be kept in different groups in future tournaments.

But a BCCI spokesperson categorically denied these reports, saying they had no information on any such communication. The BCCI assured that there was no talk whatsoever with the ICC on segregating the two teams after the Pahalgam incident.

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The report highlighted that all such rumors are unfounded, and no official announcements have been made. It should be noted that no ICC event is in the immediate pipeline, though the Women’s World Cup is to be held in India in September and October, for which Pakistan’s women’s team has already qualified.

Earlier, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had unequivocally declared that Pakistan’s women’s team will not go to India for the World Cup in the existing situation.

Under an understanding between the two nations, Pakistan and India are scheduled to host ICC events at neutral locations, with the host of the tournament deciding on the venue.

BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla also recently reconfirmed that although they adhere to the policy of the Indian government on bilateral cricket against Pakistan, they will play against Pakistan in ICC tournaments. He once again condemned the Pahalgam incident and reiterated their support for the victims.